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Moving can be a stressful event, even on the most gorgeous of days. But doing so in the dead of winter has a tendency to complicate the event and increase anxiety levels even more. However, with the assistance of your real estate agent, and by following a few simple winter moving tips, the show should go on without a hitch.

- Re-convene with your agent

After assisting in the selling, buying, and closing of your real estate transactions, your agent can also aid in the actual move. Call for advice on moving company recommendations, and helpful insights to reduce your stress.

- Plan ahead

Even though moving companies may slowdown in the winter months, they are not void of business. So make your reservation for their services early. And, be sure to walk-through your new home in advance of furniture delivery to plan where furniture and boxes should be located.

- Organize

When packing, organize your boxes by room. Using color-coded tags can simplify the move on both ends. This is especially important in the winter when some of your items may need to be moved in, and out of the elements, more quickly than others.

- Line boxes with plastic

To assure that your belongings remain dry should your move take place on a snowy or wet winter day, consider lining the interior of your boxes with plastic, or garbage bags to allow them to sit on the ground, without the worry of water damage.

- De-clutter

Moving presents the ideal opportunity to eliminate all unnecessary items that were uncovered during the boxing-up process. The less you have to pack, the less you have to move.

- Clear a path

For a wintertime move it’s imperative to have a safe and unobstructed walkway. Evaluate the path from the point of exit to the moving truck. Having a snow-free, ice-free, and clutter-free pathway will not only expedite the moving process, but will also ensure the safety of the movers.

- Have plenty of towels on hand

Upon arrival at your new home, you may want or need to wipe off any furniture or boxes that have become wet, or dirty in the move. Additionally, towels can be thrown at the door for feet to be wiped clean.

For a successful winter move, you’ll want to cross all your 'T’s' and dot all your 'I’s'. Preparing for winter hazards beforehand and anticipating potential issues will make the difference between an easy and an unbearable move. Moving does not need to be a taxing endeavor even with snow, sleet or rain in the equation. So feel free to contact me for advice and consultation to make your winter move a smooth one.

Don’t miss out on this helpful FREE SERVICE – Anywhere Agent Referral Service. When you are relocating to a new area, it is critical that you have an experienced real estate agent to rely on. Your agent will not only help you with the process of buying and selling real estate, but will also be there to help you acclimate to your new area.

Real estate agents are often considered the expert on all things local in their area. Because of this, you can count on them to guide you in your new location and serve you well beyond just the real estate information you will need. Real estate agents typically can provide recommendations on almost everthing including doctors, schools, restaurants and so much more.

When you are moving to a new area and don’t know anyone, how are you supposed to find the local expert without getting to know the area first? To assist you with this transition, I have created my Anywhere Agent Program. Call me and I will do the rest. I will find you the local expert who is best suited to your needs. Before referring them to you, we will have a personal discussion and I will review their experience, education and knowledge to assess their likelihood of providing the quality and type of assistance that matches your unique situation. Best of all, this service is totally free to you!

Need to sell a home somewhere else? I can do the same thing to help you find you the local listing expert with the perfect marketing plan and listing approach to help you sell your home. I don’t just stop there. If your friends and family need a real estate agent somewhere else, I will also provide this service to them as well. Let me screen the agents for you to find the one most able to help guide you..

Why do I take this extra step? It’s simple – I believe you deserve the best possible service and am dedicated to help make that happen in every transaction for you, your family and friends. For additional information and advice regarding relocating to a new area, please contact me today for a consultation. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the home buying or selling process, help you to find a new home or determine the value of your existing property.

Moving can be extremely stressful especially if you have children. It is important to be aware of the things that may be a concern to your children when making a move.

A few areas of concern for children when making a move may include:

- Preschool children tend to worry about being left behind or separated from their parents.- Kids aged 6 to 12 can be concerned with how their daily routines will be affected.- Teenagers are concerned primarily with fitting in and having their social life disrupted.

A way to ease these concerns may include:

- Communicating with your child about what the new house will be like.- Take them on a visit of the new home and neighborhood (if possible).- If you can, visit the school with your child and meet some of the teachers.

Involving your children in the move can help make the transition easier. Your kids can be a great help if you involve them such things as:

- Packing some of their own special belongings, and decorating their boxes with stickers and markers.- Making plans together on how to decorate their new room.

There is a lot to consider during a move and by involving your children you may help to relieve the stress your children are feeling, reduce your own stress and be able to focus more on other aspects of your move!

Feel free to download one of my free eBooks to help you with your move.

When you are relocating to a new area, it is critical that you have an experienced real estate agent to rely on. Your agent will not only help you with the process of buying and selling real estate, but will also be there to help you acclimate to your new area.

Real estate agents are often considered the expert on all things local in their area. Because of this, you can count on them to guide you in your new location and serve you well beyond just the real estate information you will need. Real estate agents typically can provide recommendations on almost everthing including doctors, schools, restaurants and so much more.

When you are moving to a new area and don’t know anyone, how are you supposed to find the local expert without getting to know the area first? To assist you with this transition, I have created my Anywhere Agent Program. Call me and I will do the rest. I will find you the local expert who is best suited to your needs. Before referring them to you,we will have a personal discussion and I will review their experience, education and knowledge to assess their likelihood of providing the quality and type of assistance that matches your unique situation. Best of all, this service is totally free to you!

Need to sell a home somewhere else? I can do the same thing to help you find you the local listing expert with the perfect marketing plan and listing approach to help you sell your home. I don’t just stop there. If your friends and family need a real estate agent somewhere else, I will also provide this service to them as well. Let me screen the agents for you to find the one most able to help guide you..

Why do I take this extra step? It’s simple – I believe you deserve the best possible service and am dedicated to help make that happen in every transaction for you, your family and friends. For additional information and advice regarding relocating to a new area, please contact me today for a consultation. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the home buying or selling process, help you to find a new home or determine the value of your existing property.

It can be daunting to look at all your belongings distributed around the house, and wondering how to pack and move everything to a new house -- especially if the new home is some distance away. Hiring a professional moving company could definitely be the solution to the problem.

Moving companies are popular with people moving from state to state or as the result of a new job or job transfer. If your move is job-related, check with your employer who may pay for your move. Regardless, you may benefit from hiring a moving company, even if you have to pay for it on your own.

Here are some important reasons to consider a moving company when it’s time for you to make the move.

- Professional movers have the right equipment to move heavy appliances and bulky furniture. Instead of using your muscles, hire movers who will have hand trucks, tarps and other essential equipment to make moving easier.- Professional movers are insured. If anything should be damaged, they will likely pay for it. If you move yourself and damage occurs, you’ll bear the responsibility of the cost of repairs. Make sure you know what their policy actually covers and check with your own insurance company as well.- In the long run, you might actually save money. If using professional movers saves you time away from work, the expense of a rental truck, gas, the associated equipment necessary to complete the job and the cost of any help hired, movers will typically be the less stressful and more economic plan of action.

Though you will need to decide what goes, what stays, what is given to others and what is trashed, hiring a moving company takes less time since they are equipped with the right tools and the experience to get the job done in half the time it would take a DIYer. This path frees you up to spend more time focusing on settling into a new home and enjoying it.

Whether you are moving across the country or just across town, a moving company can save you time, money and many headaches. For additional information, reliable recommendations to trusted affiliates or to arrange a meeting to discuss your needs, please contact me today for a consultation. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the home buying or selling process, help you to find a new home or determine the value of your existing property.

Moving can be a straightforward process with an action plan to help you manage your belongings and your time. Here are some ways to organize when preparing for your move.

• Start early and pack the things you want to keep but don't often use. You’ll control the process by packing these items in advance and storing them in a spare room, basement or garage. Try to pack at least one box every day.

• Utilize free resources to limit the expense of buying boxes, wrapping paper and bubble wrap. Local stores often give boxes away, people share them on Craigslist, and for the environmentally conscious, www.Freecycle.org is worth checking out.

• Make labeling quick and easy. Consider buying tape with different colors, or use multi-colored Post-It Notes to color code boxes on the fly. This makes it easier to match boxes with rooms.

• Use a spiral notebook and number the pages. Number your packed boxes as you pack them and note the contents of each box on the page with the corresponding number. It will make your unpacking process incredibly simple and help you to easily locate the things you most need when you reach your new home.

• Plan a garage sale or prepare items for donation to a worthy charity. The less you have to pack, the less you have to move to your new home.

While moving is never truly easy, these simple steps will make the transition for you and your entire family significantly less stressful. Also remember to forward your mail and notify your contacts of your new address! Feel free to contact me today for a consultation. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the moving process and buying or selling a home.

Getting ready to move to a new home? Don’t forget you’ll need a few essential items for the first night in your house. To make your first night comfortable, here is a great checklist of items you will want to have. It’s got you covered from first aid items to pet toys…

Need even more moving tips for making a smooth transition into your new Chicago North Shore, North or Northwest suburban home? Contact me for a consultation. I will be happy to offer suggestions and answer any questions you may have about the home buying process.

Landing the right job can be a challenge, but sometimes that success requires relocating to a new area. Moving to an unfamiliar location can be daunting, especially if school-age children are involved in the move. Thus, finding the right neighborhoods and/or school districts is vital to a long-term good experience. Your local real estate agent who has an established network of contacts throughout the area should be a primary resource for the information needed. In addition, putting your own network to good use by using the following tips may provide even greater insights that pave the path to your new home.

If you already have a job in your new location, then consider checking with your new company’s human resources department for any assistance they can offer. Finding out key specifics, such as where to go to get your car registered or obtain a new driver’s license, will undoubtedly be beneficial to your smooth transition.

Social media sites, such as Facebook, are also great places to find information about your new home town. If you’re comfortable online, consider letting your friends and contacts know where you’re planning to move and ask for information about the area that can be shared. Information regarding neighborhoods, schools, local parks, attractions, favorite restaurants or other places of interest is particularly useful in acclimating to a new community. Additional online resources to consider may include other Social Media sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest or Instagram. The more you reach out to others, the more response and information you are likely to receive.

Before making any final decisions, definitely arrange to visit and familiarize yourself first hand with the options you’ll have. Advance planning for your scouting trip should maximize your use of limited time and include stops at specific shops, services, schools or even restaurants that may be important to you.

Your local real estate agent may be happy to help you structure this tour, so definitely tap into your Realtor’s area knowledge by asking specific questions for answers to key concerns that will make your search for a new home a much easier and more enjoyable experience. For relocation assistance and help finding a top notch real estate professional in the area you are moving to, feel free to contact me for a complimentary consultation. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the relocating process or provide you information regarding Chicago's North Shore, North and Northwest Suburbs.

Starting over in a new community can be stressful. It requires effort to make new friends, find the best places to eat, and to learn your way around. But, if you are willing venture out and explore, integrating into your new city doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are a few tips to help you with the process:

The Essentials

Depending on your age and interests, what you consider essential will vary, but virtually everyone should know where to shop for groceries, pick up a prescription or get a good meal. Beyond the essentials, what is important will certainly differ and finding these places is not really all that challenging. We live in the internet age where a wealth of information on just about everything, including your new city, should be right at your fingertips. So, initially, let your fingers do the walking.

Using the Internet

Start by checking out Google Maps. If you enter your address, a map of your area will pop up. Type an asterisk (*) into the search field to find everything of interest in the area. For a more specific search, enter the information you are seeking, such as “Thai Restaurant”, “Pharmacy” or “Furniture Store”. Matching results will display on the map and sidebar. The side bar will also show a star rating and contain a link to written reviews and the business’s website. In addition, you can easily map a route from your home to any of these locations and to your place of business.

Ask for Advice

While the internet is great, it cannot replace the actual recommendations of people you trust. So if you know anyone in your new town or city, consider checking with those folks for information that the Internet cannot provide. Also consider a social media shout out for local input on Facebook and/or Twitter asking for recommendations and advice about your new city. This will combine the power of the Internet with important native insights from those in the community.

Meet New People

While you can certainly discover great restaurants, entertainment venues, local parks and night spots in the city, nothing can replace having friends to share good times, increase your fun, and help to ease your adjustment to a new home and location. So, make that concerted effort to personally connect with locals in your new city or town.

Use Your Hobbies

Many friendships are rooted in shared interests. So, if you have a hobby, sports you enjoy, or other activity that drives your pleasure and time, use it to meet new friends. Whether it’s your golf game, children’s activities, or your love of music or painting, undoubtedly there are others in your new city with similar tastes and affections. An easy way to connect with people in your area whose interests mirror your own is through local Facebook groups and the site Meetup.com. So try to find a group of people who share your interests and consider trying a meet up.

Help Out in the Community

Community service is an excellent way to meet some great, civic-minded people. When you take initiative and do some good within your community, it becomes more than just the place you live and work. So consider volunteering time to municipal activities for another path to a quickly acclimate.

If you try these ideas, you’ll inevitably meet new people with common interests, learn about your new town and neighborhood, find things to do with people you enjoy, and feel a sense of real comfort in your new surroundings.

Moving can be a stressful event, even on the most gorgeous of days. But doing so in the dead of winter has a tendency to increase anxiety levels even more. However, with the assistance of your real estate agent, and by following a few simple winter moving tips, the show will go on without a hitch.

Re-convene with your agent

After assisting in the selling, buying, and closing of your real estate transactions, your agent can also aid in the actual move. Call for advice on moving company recommendations, and acquiring moving insurance. You may even get special discounting.

Plan ahead

Even though moving companies slowdown in the winter months, they are not void of business. Make your reservation for their services early. And, be sure to walk-through your new home in advance of furniture delivery to envision where furniture and boxes should be located.

Organize

When packing, organize your boxes by room. Using color-coded tags can simplify the move on both ends. This is especially important in the winter when some of your items may need to be moved in, and out of the elements, more quickly than others.

Line boxes with plastic

To assure that your belongings remain dry should your move take place on a snowy or wet winter day, consider lining the interior of your boxes with plastic, or garbage bags to allow them to sit on the ground, without the worry of water damage.

De-clutter

Moving presents the ideal opportunity to eliminate all unnecessary items that were uncovered during the boxing-up process. The less you have to pack, the less you have to move.

Clear a path

For a wintertime move it’s imperative to have a safe and unobstructed walkway. Evaluate the path from the point of exit to the moving truck. Having a snow, ice, and clutter-free pathway will not only expedite the moving process, but will also ensure the safety of the movers.

Have plenty of towels on hand

Upon arrival at your new home, you may want or need to wipe off any furniture or boxes that have become wet, or dirty in the move. Additionally, towels can be thrown at the door for feet to be wiped clean.

For a successful winter move, you’ll want to cross all your ‘t’s’ and dot all your ‘i’s’. Preparing for winter hazards beforehand and anticipating potential issues will make the difference between an easy and an unbearable move. Moving does not need to be a taxing endeavor even with snow, sleet or rain in the equation. So feel free to contact me for advice and consultation to make your winter move a smooth one.